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Fort Wayne council approves water-plant window replacement, stormwater work and service contract increases
Summary
The Fort Wayne Common Council unanimously approved construction and service contracts April 7, including window and door replacements at the 3 Rivers Filtration Plant, a stormwater project in Country Club Gardens, a $125,000 snow-removal contract increase and a temporary-staffing extension.
The Fort Wayne Common Council on April 7 approved a series of construction and service agreements affecting the city’s utilities and property-management operations.
Councilman Rocio introduced an ordinance (S26-318) to award a construction contract (Work Order 67576) to Woodroof Contracting & Sales LLC for replacement of six exterior windows and one exit door at the 3 Rivers Filtration Plant, Plant 3. Eric Rupert of City Utilities told the council the original windows date to the early 1980s and will be replaced with modern operable awning units and an improved exit door to enhance energy efficiency, security and access. The contract amount was cited as $181,322.50. The council recorded the vote as eight in favor, none opposed.
Rocio then presented S26-319, a contract with Kraft Water Solutions LLC for stormwater improvements in Country Club Gardens Phase 1 (work order 83790). Rupert said the scope includes about 300 linear feet of 12-inch pipe, 1,600 linear feet of 15-inch pipe, 19 drainage structures, a new outfall with concrete headwall and riprap, and associated ditch work and restoration to address chronic neighborhood ponding. The project is funded with stormwater revenue bonds; the council approved the measure by voice vote with eight members recorded in favor.
On finance matters, Councilman Jeff Paddock introduced S26-0321 to increase the snow-removal contract by $125,000 for above-average snowfall and ice events. Barry Marquardt of Property Management said this was the second increase requested this season because of an exceptionally frequent winter. The increase passed on the DuPass recommendation with an 8-0 tally.
Paddock also presented S26-0322, an extension of the city’s agreement with Express Employment Professionals for temporary staffing (projected cost $216,360). Marquardt said the arrangement continues previously established long-term temporary assignments at unchanged rates and that the program had modest turnover. The council approved the extension, 8-0.
No council member expressed substantive opposition during the committee discussion on the items. The measures affect water and stormwater infrastructure and operating budgets; funding sources cited by staff included water utility revenue, stormwater revenue bonds and departmental purchasing allocations. Clerk John McGully recorded the formal vote tallies in the minutes. The council adjourned after a public-comment period later in the meeting.
